Our February Monthly Review Round Up

Our February Monthly Review Round Up

No comments

I know February is only a short month but I just feel like its flew by so quickly. It doesn't seem like a month ago since I was writing my January Review Round Up. This month we have been trying out some products that I hope you will like as much as we do.

Top of our review roundup this month is something we were all very excited about. We had the chance to have a listen to Justin Fletcher - Just Party before it is released. We are huge fans of Justin and have been since big J was little. I can't believe just how great he is with the kids and he has so many shows on cbeebies - little J loves him. So last week we popped Justins album on in the car and all four of us couldn't help but sing along. The first track Just Party is a new track and it is really fun and little J loves it. He spins around the room dancing to it. Its a real get up and dance party track. I wasn't too sure whether Justin would be any good singing Let It Go but he does a pretty good job.  The highlight was The Macarena were Justin has changed the words to sing about getting ready for a party. Its catchy and its lots of fun. 

Overall the album is really good. There are 19 tracks in total and we didn't skip one. Its had us all singing along and little J has been dancing all week. The album is definitely one for Justin fans, the kids will love it. Just Party is available to buy from March 2nd or you can preorder now HERE ******************** I'm not a big fan of giving little J a bath, I do it if I absolutely have to otherwise its Daddy's job. I panic if little J starts to stand up incase he slips and although he's having fun splashing around and pretending to swim I am having a panic attack incase he goes under the water for too long. Also I have the worst judgement on how hot/cold the bath should be. I am more than happy sitting in a cool bath myself but sometimes I make it just that little bit too cold for little J. 

This month we have being trying out the very cute Brother Max Ray Bath and Room Thermometer. It does exactly what it says in the title. Ray displays the temperature of both the bath or room on its LCD screen display.  The ideal temperature for a bath is 37 degrees and if Ray reaches a temperature of 39 degrees the display blinks HOT As a room thermometer the ideal temp is 19 degrees. Ray displays both ideal temperatures on his display for your information.

Little J loves Ray in the water and will swish him about so he doubles a bath toy too, well he does for us anyway. For more information on Ray and the other products available from Brother Max you can click here to visit their website. I have teamed up with Brother Max to offer my readers the chance to win a Ray Bath and Room Digital Thermometer so make sure you check out my competitions page HERE. *******************

We were sent a My Buddy Box to try out this month and I can honestly say I love it. More and more shops are now charging for carrier bags and whilst I don't mind paying the odd few pence for a bag, it just annoys me that I always forget to bring one of the hundreds I have at home. I do try and recycle the carrier bags and use them again but I am rubbish at remembering to keep a few in the car. On a recent shopping trip I brought the My Buddy Box and popped it in the car. It folds up to the size of a folder or small laptop case but when you open it, its a huge big box. Perfect for popping in your shopping. It can be used for loads of things really but for me its going to stay in the car and stop me from bringing home more carrier bags that I don't need. To find out more about My Buddy Box you can visit the website here. ********************

With Mother's Day approaching I thought I would include this beautiful heart shaped photo frame as a gift idea.  The frame can hold 7 photographs, 3 hold size 3x3ins photographs and 4 hold 3x2.5ins photographs. The heart design just makes it extra special and it would be perfect to fill the frame with special memories, maybe photos of the children or grandchildren. This would make a perfect present for any Mummy out there.  ******************** *we were sent the above items to try, all thoughts, opinions and photographs are our own*

Read More

#Win a Brother Max Ray Bath and Room Digital Thermometer

#Win a Brother Max Ray Bath and Room Digital Thermometer

No comments

This month we have been trying out Brother Max Ray Bath and Room Digital Thermometer which you can read all about here. Brother Max have kindly offered one of my readers the chance to win their own Ray in my competition. 

Ray is perfect for measuring the temperature in both the bath and room. It has a LCD display. Visible warnings if the bath is too hot.   and  comes in a choice of 4 colours. To win your very own Ray all you have to do is answer this question.
 How many colours can you choose from? 
Please leave your answer as a blog comment and when you do you will be able to earn extra entries by completing the options on the app below. Good Luck

Brother Max Ray

Terms Competition closes on Monday 14th March 11:59PM Entrants must have a valid UK address Bulk, third party or any other entries using automated software will be disqualified All entrants and entries are checked and verified. All entrants must follow the mandatory step and answer the question as a blog comment. 1 lucky winners will be chosen at random by the Gleam application. Mummy2Monkeys will contact the lucky winners within 1 day of the competition closing The winner must respond within 7 days. If no response a new winner will be chosen. The prize is Brother Max Ray Bath and Room Thermometer There is no cash alternative.

Read More

#Win a SnapTrip £100 Voucher

#Win a SnapTrip £100 Voucher

No comments

Being a Mummy is the best job ever but it can be very hard sometimes and very tiring. Its nice to know that Mother's Day will be here soon and its nice to have a day off and be pampered. We like to plan something for special occasions like Mother's Day so that we are all together and we can have some fun. 

At the moment we haven't decided what we will be doing and we have left it a little late but I have been looking at Snaptrip who offer upto 50% off last minute UK breaks. When I landed on the website the first three things that stuck out for me was Book now and be there within the hour - that really is last minute.
Guaranteed savings - they claim you won't find a better price anywhere else on the internet
At the moment there is over 8,000 properties to choose from for this weekend.

I have had a browse and there are some lovely cottages up in the Lake District, perfect for a Mother's Day weekend. Would you like to treat your Mum or someone special to a last minute Snaptrip? If the answer is yes then enter my competition to win a £100 voucher to spend on Snaptrip All you need to do is tell me If you won, who would you take on a Snaptrip?

#Win a £100 Snaptrip voucher this Mother's Day

Competition closes on Thursday 11th March 11:59PM Entrants must have a valid UK address Bulk, third party or any other entries using automated software will be disqualified All entrants and entries are checked and verified. All entrants must follow the mandatory step and answer the question as a blog comment. 1 lucky winner will be chosen at random by the Gleam application. Mummy2Monkeys will contact the lucky winner within 1 day of the competition closing The winner must respond within 7 days. If no response a new winner will be chosen. The prize is £100 voucher for SnapTrip The prize is non-transferable.  Travel is not included in this prize. There is no cash alternative. It will be the responsibility of the representative of the named company above to issue the prize. The winner must consent to their name and details being passed on to the representative so their prize can be distributed.

Read More

Another Appliance Bites The Dust

Another Appliance Bites The Dust

No comments

It's that time in life where all our appliances seem to die at the same time. Why? Our cooker is soon to be the next victim and go to the appliances heaven in the sky with our fridge and washing machine that went up not that long ago.   We bought a new fridge about 6 months ago because our old one really was on it's last legs and now everything else seems to need an upgrade too.   Top of the list towards the end of last year was a new washing machine. We went shopping to have a browse as I like to see the washing machines actually in store, but I would usually order online.  I liked the look of the Panasonic Washing Machines, LCD and touch buttons made our old machine look ancient. Having two kids now means more washing so we did have to look at a bigger load capacity. We did find one which was so much better than our old one. You can load 3kg more, it's got a nice display screen, child lock, wash delay timer and all other little add ons. Ours is really out of date compared to the newer models.   It cost an extra £90 for someone to come and fit it. When we paid Daddy noticed a difference in the price by £18, when he asked the lady she said that was for delivery. So £18 to deliver on top of the £90 for some to come and fit it. £108 extra on top of the price quoted. This seemed a lot to me but Daddy said you always get charged extra for delivery and fitting.  

While we were there big and little J both went to look at the TVs, I know Daddy would love a new TV but unfortunately its not a priority on our list of new things we need.   

Big J was watching a programme on a TV that cost nearly £3,000. I don't think we will be getting that one.  

Little J was just crawling everywhere. The shop was empty and there were more staff than customers so he was happy up and down the aisles.  

Then big J decided he was going to chase after little J so I had the pair of them crawling around the TV displays.   When the men came to deliver the washing machine they also said they will take our old one away for us. I felt ashamed when the pulled the washing machine out. It looked really old and grubby and it was all dirty and dusty behind the machine.    Once fitted I couldn't wait to try it out. I loaded it up and on it went. As you may have read here, little J loves the washing machine and he was keen to see the new one in action.    Also on our list of things to buy are a hoover, lawn mower, strimmer, buggy, and then possible a new TV to keep the boys happy.   Do you find everything dies at the same time?    What's top of your 'needs replacing' list?    *Published in conjunction with Panasonic*

Read More

Half Term Fun

Half Term Fun

No comments

I love it when the kids are off school. I was really looking forward to spending time with big J and heading out for some family days out. We have all been full of cold recently and unfortunately it didn't miraculously disappear last week while we were off work and school but we made the most of it.

On Monday we headed off to the Albert Dock for a ride on the Wheel of Liverpool. We have been on the wheel before. Its been a few years and little J hadn't been on it so I was unsure if he would like it.  We had a look on the internet first to see if there were any offers on and there was a voucher for 25% off which came in handy and took the cost down to £19 for the four of us. 

The Wheel is just by the Liverpool Echo Arena and looks over the Albert Dock and the River Mersey. It was clear but the time we got on the wheel so we had a nice view out. 
On the first turn it stays at the top for a little while and then after that it goes straight round. Five times in total I think. Daddy doesn't really like heights and I was a little worried that one of the doors didn't look properly shut but it was fun and the boys enjoyed it.

We managed to get a pod to ourselves which was good as little J kept switching sides so was up and down a lot

After we had been on the Wheel we headed over to Costa for a nice lunch.

********************************

Midweek we headed to up to Blackpool. We had a few things planned and were all indoors so it didn't matter if it was raining today but I'm glad to say it did stay nice and dry.

First of all both monkeys fell asleep on the way there. It made me giggle when I saw them both. We had only been in the car five minutes before big J was snoring. Little J managed about 20 minutes before he was snoozing too.

After there little nap we had arrived and our first stop was Sandcastle Waterpark. We have been to the sandcastle before but again before little J was born. Both boys love the water and big J loves all the slides so I knew it would be a fun day.
When we arrived the queue was huge. We had tickets so we were shown inside through a side door and within minutes we were in the changing rooms. I hate swimming baths changing rooms. They always smell funny and you never know what you are standing in so I always take my shoes off at the very last minute. I have to say considering how busy the changing rooms were they were very clean. I saw at least three staff cleaning the floors while we were there which was nice because they can get very mucky.
There were female, male and family and they all linked towards the lockers. We chose a family changing room and again considering how busy it was we didn't have to wait. 
We paid for an electronic locker which was slightly larger than the regular lockers. £3 deposit which was returned at the end of your visit. Normal lockers are available for 50p I think, I am not sure whether that is returned at the end or not.

*photograph credit - Sandcastle Waterpark*

The waterpark itself was very very busy and the queues for the slides were huge. Big J queued for almost 30 minutes for the sidewinder ride and that was only for a rubber ring. He then had to take the ring up the stairs and join another queue.

While he was queueing little J was enjoying paddling in the shallow end of the pool and swapping from one side to another.
Big J loved the sidewinder ride. and was eyeing up the next slide. First though he played with little J in the pool. After a hour of so I could see little J was a little tired so I decided to take him out and let Daddy and big J hit the slides
We got back to the changing rooms and to dressed and then headed back into the waterpark to take a seat and have something to eat.
I was a little disappointed that after walking round for almost 15 minutes there was no where to sit. Not one free table. There is maintenance on some of the seating area by the snack bar but all the other seats were empty but had peoples towels on them. I don't think that is fair and it felt like being on holiday when you have to fight for a sun lounger in the morning. It was clear that no one was sat there, the towels were dry

In the end we gave up and decided to go for a walk instead. On the way out just by the main entrance there was another snack bar and some sofas so we manage to sit there and grab a bite to eat. I had my iPad with me so little J chilled on that and made use of the free wifi.
After a while Daddy and big J returned and they had only managed two slides in just over 1 hour and a half. They did manage to try out Aztec Falls which was a new ride. They loved it. Very fast and dark. We have promised big J that we will return another time on a less busier day so he can enjoy the slides although I think it will be busy all the time as it seems very very popular.
Overall the seating situation was a nightmare and I do think there should be a policy to remove towels if no one is sitting there. There was so many people standing up, with babies and children because they couldn't get a seat. Like I said above it was very clean and for me personally that was a big thumbs up as I felt comfortable walking round without my shoes on. The slides they went on, they loved. Big J's favourite was Aztec Falls and Daddy like the duelling dragons. There was plenty for little J to do too. 

Both boys had a great time and we will definitely be returning again. 
What did you get up to in Half Term?


*we were invited to the sandcastle waterpark, all thoughts opinions and photographs are our own unless stated*

Read More

A Day Out In York

A Day Out In York

No comments

We've had a few hospital appointments over the last few weeks which can be stressful and worrying so it was nice to relax at the a few weekends ago and enjoy a day out in York. We have been to York before little J was born and it was a lovely place so I was excited to get back there and enjoy the sights.

Read More

Project 365 Days 47-53

Project 365 Days 47-53

No comments

Last week was half term...YAY. I love half term. I love big J being off school because we can enjoy some nice family time together and little J gets to see his big brother during the day.

47/365 - Today we started half term by going into Liverpool. We had a nice walk around the Albert Dock and we went on The Wheel of Liverpool. Little J hasn't been on it before but he loved it.

48/365 - Pancake Tuesday. Big J went out to his friends so before he went we made some pancakes. This one is half Nutella and half maple syrup.

49/365 - Today we went to Blackpool. This photo is actually on the way there. Both monkeys fell asleep.

50/365 - Big J went to his friends again today - it was a little miserable outside but later on it did dry up and the rain stopped. Enough time for little J to have a quick play in the garden before bath time.

51/365 - I had a sore throat and a cough today so we had a 'in' day. Little J playing in his tent on the iPad.

52/365 - Family meal this afternoon 

53/365 - Outside fun at Nana and Grandads

Read More

Project 365 Days 40-46

Project 365 Days 40-46

No comments

Absolutely gutted that I didn't post my Project 365 last week. I had all the photos ready but with it being half term all my usual routine just went and my blogging took a back seat. Like I said though I do have the photos so will share them below - a week late but better late than never.

40/365 - More hospital apps this week for little J.

41/365 - An X-Ray and a visit to the plastic surgeon and little J is now on the list for a toe operation. Really hope it works this time.

42/365 - Cookies and Cream - My favourite.

43/365 - We have the wii back Yay. Our old one died a few months ago so we now have a new one.

44/365 - A day early but Daddy and I watched Valentine's Day. Love this movie.

45/365 - Valentines Day. Swell as some other presents Daddy bought me a dozen beautiful Red Roses 

46/365 - This was the last of my valentines day chocolates. Little J bit right through the wrapper and then ate it.

Read More

#Win Tickets To See Ben and Holly Live

#Win Tickets To See Ben and Holly Live

No comments

Now that little J is older I am really looking forward to the new things we can do together. As you may already know I love going to see a show or a movie and i'm hoping as little J gets older he will too. For me there is nothing better than seeing a show live on stage. 

I remember taking big J to see so many shows when he was little, Disney Live, The Wiggles, Thomas the Tank, Bob the Builder, The Tweenies and so many more. He loved going the theatre and would be glued to his seat for the duration. 

I am hoping that some of my readers share in my enthusiasm of taking the children to the theatre. Its such a wonderful experience and I am really excited to be able to offer my readers the chance to win a family ticket to see Ben and Holly live.

Two lucky winners will a family ticket each to a date and venue of your choice.

The hugely popular Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom theatre production takes to the road again for a second UK & Ireland tour this year.  A BAFTA award-winning TV animation, Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom comes from the makers of Peppa Pig and was produced for the stage by top children’s theatre producers Fiery Light Productions whose growing stable of work - which includes the stage adaptions of Peppa Pig and Octonauts - has now been seen by millions of children across the UK over recent years.  This stage version toured 2012 - 2013 and now returns for a 45-theatre engagement, opening at  The Orchard Theatre, Dartford on 26 March. 

Currently a top favourite show for pre-schoolers, this charmingly magical animation airs on Nick Jr and on 5’s Milkshake. Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom is co-owned by animation studio Astley Baker Davies (creators of Peppa Pig) and has been a hit with audiences and critics alike. The series won a BAFTA award for Best Pre-School Animation in 2009 and a British Animation Award for Best Pre-School Series in 2012.

The Little Kingdom – where everyone is very, very small – is home to Princess Holly and her best friend Ben Elf. Holly is a young fairy princess who is still learning how to do magic properly and sometimes her spells don’t work out quite right. Ben is an Elf. Elves don’t do magic but they are very good at making things. Ben doesn’t have wings like Holly but he flies on the back of Gaston the Ladybird.

In this exciting new musical adventure, Ben and Holly have fun and games helping Gaston clean up his messy cave; they go on a trip to The Big World with tooth-fairy Nanny Plum; and still have time to plan a surprise for King Elf’s birthday party, complete with an unplanned jelly flood.

Packed full of games, songs and laughter, this is an enchanting and magical visit to the Little Kingdom, live on stage for the very first time. This beautiful story of elves, princesses and childhood innocence will delight all the family.

Richard Lewis, who has adapted the TV animation for the stage and also directs, said, “We knew from the early screenings of Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom that the TV animation was destined to become a children’s classic and would translate well to the stage. The magical world of the Little Kingdom is a safe place for young children to learn about family values, respect, loyalty and most importantly how to have fun.

We’re delighted that following the very successful first tour of the stage show we can respond to demand and bring it back to UK and Ireland audiences for a second time. We hope that once again it will be a magical experience for all Ben & Holly fans, both young and old”.

Director and adaptor Richard Lewis also adapted and directed the three highly popular Peppa Pig theatre tours (Peppa Pig’s Party 2009 – 2011;  Peppa Pig’s Treasure Hunt 2011 – 2012; and Peppa Pig’s Big Splash 2013 - 2105) and the current tour of Octonauts and the Deep Sea Volcano Adventure 2014 - 2015.

Original music is by Mani Svavarsson, original lyrics by Matt Lewis, set design is by Simon Scullion, lighting design is by Matt Haskins and sound design by Ian Horrocks-Taylor.

The actors will wear masks in this production, created by Russell Dean,  Artistic Director of Strangeface Theatre Company. Russell worked for a number of years with the award-winning Trestle Theatre Company as their designer and mask-maker.

To enter my competition all you need to do is answer the following question and make sure you visit www.benandhollylive.com to check out the dates and venues.

What is the name of the tooth fairy in Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom?

Leave your answers as a blog comment. Only entrants who leave the correct answer will be entered into the draw.

Ben and Holly Live

Competition closes on Monday 2nd March 11:59PM Entrants must have a valid UK address Bulk, third party or any other entries using automated software will be disqualified All entrants and entries are checked and verified. All entrants must follow the mandatory step and answer the question as a blog comment. 2 lucky winners will be chosen at random by the Gleam application. Mummy2Monkeys will contact the lucky winners within 1 day of the competition closing The winner must respond within 7 days. If no response a new winner will be chosen. The prize is A family ticket for four people, minimum one adult.  The tickets are non-transferable.  Accommodation or travel are not included in this prize. There is no cash alternative. It will be the responsibility of the representative of the named company above to issue the prize. The winner must consent to their name and details being passed on to the representative so their prize can be distributed.

Read More

The New Kids Menu at Bella Italia

The New Kids Menu at Bella Italia

No comments

Bella Italia was one of the first restaurants Daddy and I went to as a couple almost 15 years ago and although we have been a few times over the years we haven't been together as a family. Bella Italia have just launched a new kids menu and we were lucky to be invited to try it out on a visit to York.

We pre booked a table for 3pm which was a little early for Dinner but we hadn't had any lunch so little J was feeling very peckish by now. He had only had a snack followed by a snooze so I knew his little stomach would be rumbling.  When we arrived we were seated quickly and was offered a highchair for little J. We were sat right by the kitchen so could see the food being prepared as we waited for the waitress to take our drinks order.

The kids menu was split into two. A menu for little ones and a larger portion menu for up to 11 year olds. Each menu included a starter, main, desert and refillable drink. There is plenty of choice available. If the kids want pizza they can choose a flavour off the main menu and it just comes in a smaller portion.

Daddy and I both got diet coca cola, Big J and little J were eating off the kids menu so they got a refillable drink each. Big J ordered diet coca cola and we order fruit squash for little J. When the kids drinks arrived they were in glass bottle with a plastic straw. They were great and very retro. We ordered a sharing garlic mozzarella bread to start while the boys each got a garlic bread started included on the kids menu. 

Little J was really hungry at this point and I was a little disappointed that our wait for just the starters was almost 45 minutes. They arrived at the table at 3:45pm even though we had been sat since 3pm. This was a long time for a 1 year old to sit still and it was hard for us to try and keep him entertained as he was very hungry. He played on his tablet for a while.

Daddy and big J also played on their phones while we waited. I had noticed earlier that our garlic bread sitting under the hot lamps for almost 10 minutes but there was no kids garlic breads there. One of the waitresses mentioned to the chef who swiftly moved the garlic bread and looked like he threw it in the bin. Minutes later we were told our starters were on the way. 

The sharing garlic bread was cut into 8 slices and was very filling. Big J and little J's garlic bread was cut into strips and they both seemed to enjoy it. 

Once we had finished little J was very restless. He just didn't want to sit in the highchair any longer. Our mains still took another 10 - 15 minutes after we had finished. So before we had even got onto our main course we had been seated for almost 1hr20.

Daddy and I ordered lasagne which came in an oven dish and was very hot but very tasty. Big J's pizza was almost adult size even though it was from the kids menu. Little J's margarita pizza was a good size too and perfect for him to nibble on. He did eat some of it stood up on the seat watching the other guests.

It was clear he wasn't going to eat it all so after we had finished I asked the waitress could we take it home and she took it away and brought it back in a brown takeaway box which was perfect as he ate some more on the way home. 

Big J enjoyed his pizza and had room left to visit the Gelato cart for a scoop of bubblegum ice-cream. Little J also got one too, just vanilla.  Overall our experience was okay. The restaurant itself was clean and the waitress was very friendly. It was just the waiting time which let it down. I don't mind waiting for food but 45 minutes for some garlic bread is crazy. Have you tried the new Bella Italia Kids Menu yet?

*I am a member of the Mumsnet Bloggers Network Research Panel, a group of parent bloggers who have volunteered to review products, services, events and brands for Mumsnet. I have no paid for the product or to attend an event. I have editorial control and retain full editorial integrity*
www.mumsnet.com/bloggers-network

Read More